Humidity Control in Iowa: How to Stay Cool and Comfortable Before Summer Arrives
Spring in Iowa brings a mix of sunshine, rain, and—you guessed it—humidity. As we inch closer to summer, many homes in Ankeny and across central Iowa begin to feel the sticky, uncomfortable effects of high indoor humidity. The good news is, with the right HVAC solutions, you can control moisture levels and keep your home comfortable all season long.
At Obsidian Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners tackle humidity issues before they become a problem. Let’s take a look at why humidity control matters, and what you can do now to keep things cool, dry, and livable.
Why Does Indoor Humidity Matter?
Humidity doesn’t just make your house feel warmer than it is. High indoor humidity can affect more than just comfort. It can:
✅ Make your air conditioner work harder
✅ Increase your energy bills
✅ Cause mold and mildew growth
✅ Warp wood floors and furniture
✅ Trigger allergies and respiratory issues
Keeping humidity in check helps your HVAC system run more efficiently and keeps your indoor air healthier.
What’s the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level?
Experts recommend keeping indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. Once it creeps higher than 60 percent, your home starts to feel muggy and uncomfortable—and you increase the risk of moisture-related issues.
A hygrometer is a simple tool that measures indoor humidity. You can find digital models at most hardware stores or install a smart thermostat that monitors it for you.
How Your HVAC System Helps Control Humidity
Your air conditioner naturally removes some moisture from the air as it cools. But in especially humid conditions, it may not be enough on its own. That’s where additional solutions come in.
1. Whole-Home Dehumidifier
For homes that consistently struggle with high humidity, a whole-home dehumidifier is a game-changer. It works with your HVAC system to:
✔️ Remove excess moisture from the air
✔️ Improve air quality
✔️ Reduce mold and dust mite growth
✔️ Make your home feel cooler without lowering the temperature
This is especially helpful during humid spring days when temperatures may not yet be high, but moisture levels already are.
2. Proper Ventilation
Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms generate a lot of moisture. If this humidity isn’t vented properly, it builds up indoors.
Make sure your home has:
✅ Exhaust fans that work well and are used regularly
✅ Proper venting for dryers and stovetops
✅ Windows that can be opened on mild days for cross-ventilation
Better airflow means less trapped humidity.
3. Regular HVAC Maintenance
A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and is better equipped to manage moisture. Schedule a spring tune-up with Obsidian Heating & Cooling so we can:
🔧 Clean your evaporator coils
🔧 Check your refrigerant levels
🔧 Ensure your system is sized correctly for your home
🔧 Recommend additional humidity solutions if needed
Humidity and Comfort Go Hand-in-Hand
Lower humidity doesn’t just improve health and air quality—it also makes your home feel cooler. When the air is dry, your body can cool itself through sweat evaporation. When humidity is high, that cooling process slows down and you feel hotter, even if your A/C is running.
By lowering indoor humidity, you’ll:
✔️ Feel more comfortable at higher thermostat settings
✔️ Reduce strain on your air conditioning system
✔️ Save money on energy bills
Ready to Tackle Humidity Before It Gets Worse?
If your home feels sticky in the spring or your A/C runs constantly without really cooling things down, excess humidity might be to blame.
Call Obsidian Heating & Cooling today to schedule a spring tune-up or ask about our humidity control solutions. From whole-home dehumidifiers to HVAC upgrades and maintenance, we’re here to help you stay comfortable and in control—before summer turns up the heat.
Let’s make your home feel as cool and fresh as it should this spring.
